If you are one of those waiting for the SSDI disability payment, this week could be your turn. And attention: there are people who could take up to $4,018 this month. Sound juicy to you? Well, we are going to tell you everything you need to know, but in a simple way, without too many technicalities, so that you understand everything easily and clearly.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and available throughout the United States to citizens and immigrants with certain qualifying categories. Provides monthly help for people who, while working, suffer an accident or health condition that prevents them from continuing to perform a lucrative activity.
Each month, the SSA sends three disability insurance payments
Every month (February is no exception) comes with three key dates for SSDI payments, and two groups have already collected. Did it touch you? If not, pay attention, because this week is the last opportunity for you to receive the money you have been waiting for:
- Group 1: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month → they received their money on February 14th.
- Group 2: You have a birthday between the 11th and the 20th → they were paid on February 21st.
- Group 3 (the one missing): Your birthday between the 21st and the 31st → This Wednesday the 28th is your day.
Payments almost always fall on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of every month. They only change them if there is a holiday involved. But don’t worry, that almost doesn’t happen and in February, in fact, it didn’t happen.
Is the $4,018 for you? Spoiler: probably not, but we’ll tell you why
Yes, that number sounds like “I’m buying a house!”, but the reality is more modest. That figure is the maximum given by the SSDI, and only applies if:
- You have been working for 35 years (yes, thirty-five).
- You had a high salary all that time.
- You were born before 1954 (if you are younger, the retirement age goes up and the amount goes down).
For the rest of the beneficiaries, the amount will be lowered. But be careful, don’t make a fool of her: even if she’s not a millionaire, she helps with the basics (food, medicine, services… you know).
Here comes the “trick” that not everyone knows: you need 40 work credits to qualify. It sounds like a board game, but it’s simple:
- In 2025, each credit is earned with $1,810 of income.
- You can obtain up to 4 credits a year (that is, earning $7,240 a year you already take them out).
- 20 of those 40 credits must be from the last 10 years before applying.
Are you young and you don’t even have half of it? The SSA sometimes makes exceptions, but don’t count on it. Better add work credits as quickly as possible because retirement or SSDI insurance are long-term savings.
Does your medical condition qualify?
Social Security has a very extensive list of conditions that qualify for disability benefits, known as the “Blue Book.” Some of the most common conditions include mental health problems such as major depression, disabling anxiety, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Physical problems such as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, or repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome are also considered eligible; neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or consequences of a stroke; heart and lung diseases such as heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, COPD, or severe asthma; and diseases such as cancer or HIV, even if you are receiving treatment but cannot work.
It is not enough to have the diagnosis. You have to prove that your condition prevents you from working long term (minimum 12 months). A two-week sprain doesn’t count, obviously.
What happens if you fulfill everything?
First: congratulations (well, not so much, because I wish you didn’t need it). Second: prepare the papers. You will need medical history, test results, and even statements from your boss or colleagues confirming that you cannot work. Yes, it’s a bit of paperwork, but it is what it is.
Mistakes you should not make:
- Apply without reviewing the SSA list: Don’t assume your condition qualifies. Check their website first.
- Underestimating work credits: If you lack them, don’t even try.
- Ignoring payment dates: If you are in group 3 and the money does not arrive this Wednesday, contact the SSA.
And if they reject you the first time… Don’t give up. Many people are rejected at first and succeed after appealing. Get an SSDI lawyer (they charge only if you win the case, usually a percentage of the retroactive amount).